Evening Sky Tours

Evening Sky Tours: nighttime astronomy tours in Sedona

Evening Sky Tours, operating under the name Evening Sky Tours, LLC, is a company based in Sedona (Arizona) dedicated to organizing nighttime astronomy observation experiences. Its offering combines education and entertainment: the tours are led by professional astronomers and are presented as a personalized experience tailored to each night's sky.

What you observe during the tour

The activity begins with an introduction to the visible constellations, explained by an astronomer with a high-power laser pointer, who reviews how ancient civilizations named them and how they are used for navigation. Afterwards, participants observe at least six celestial objects through telescopes. According to the company, the observation catalog includes galaxies, star clusters, nebulae, planets and the Milky Way when visible. Satellites, shooting stars, meteors and the International Space Station are also regularly observed, as well as the Apollo landing sites on the Moon. Tours operate year-round.

Pricing and options

The site indicated a rate of $117 per adult and $76 per child 12 years old and under. There is also a private tour option for $1,200 for groups of up to six people. The company recommends booking directly on its website to retain maximum flexibility in management and customer service.

Start times by season

Start times vary throughout the year: in September, at 8:30 and 10:00 pm; in October, at 8:00 and 9:30 pm; from November to April, at 7:30 and 9:00 pm; and from May to August, at 9:00 and 10:30 pm. These times may change on the day of the tour due to weather conditions or special astronomical events.

Location and logistics

The company does not provide transportation. The observation point is at Big Park VOC, about a 20-minute drive from the center of Sedona, in the area where Highways 89A and 179 intersect. Directions are sent by email upon confirming the reservation. The site has restrooms. Access requires walking about 200 meters over dirt and grass terrain, and to look through the telescope eyepiece you must sit and stand; some objects require stepping up onto a small step ladder, so the experience is not considered accessible for people with reduced mobility.

Experience rules

The location is private property where alcohol and smoking are prohibited; anyone smoking outside vehicles must leave the premises with no right to a refund. Pets are not allowed, both out of respect for other guests and due to nocturnal predator activity in the desert environment. No drinks are served, although you may bring your own non-alcoholic beverage.

Reservations, cancellations and weather

If the weather does not cooperate on the reserved night, the company attempts to reschedule the experience on alternative dates subject to availability, without guaranteeing those dates; if rescheduling is not possible, it offers a 100% refund. For reservations made directly on its website, cancellation more than 12 hours before the scheduled start time also entitles you to a full refund. Reservations made through third-party platforms, such as Viator, are governed by those platforms' cancellation and refund policies. The company recommends avoiding the four nights leading up to the full moon, including the night of the full moon, if you want a densely starry sky, although it notes that the objects observed through the telescope are the same regardless of the lunar phase.

Recognition and presence

The site displays a Certificate of Excellence badge and includes testimonials shared on social media. The company presents itself as the premier Sedona tour company specializing in astronomy, a claim that corresponds to its own promotional description.

Location and contact

P.O. Box 463, Sedona, AZ 86339 · Phone: 928-203-0006 · Email: sedonastargazing@gmail.com